Declutter the Linen Closet

STOP clutter in the linen closet
Pick a cool day — or turn up the air conditioning — to begin linen closet decluttering; it's more pleasant to handle blankets and thick towels when you're fresh and cool. Ready to STOP clutter in the linen closet?

1. Sort
Set the timer for 20 minutes, grab your sorting boxes and turn your attention to a single shelf area or drawer. Remove everything from the shelf — sheets, towels, lost toys — and sort into like piles. Linens to be returned to the closet can be placed on the portable table for refolding; out-of-place items are delivered to the appropriate boxes (Put Away, Sell/Donate, Storage).

2. Toss
Assess your linens while you toss trash. Ripped sheets, ragged towels and stained tablecloths deserve an honorable retirement, offering new life if repurposed. Worn pillowcases, a hole snipped for a hanger, serve as dust covers for stored clothing; the household's car washer will prize shredded sheets for polishing chrome bumpers.

3. Organize
Once the space is clear, use spray cleaner to remove dust and dirt. Turn to the stacked linens on the temporary table. Refolding is probably a must, but fold smart.

4. Put away
When the shelf is replaced or the timer rings, grab the Put Away box and circle the house, restoring items to their proper home. Tuck away the Storage and Sell/Donate boxes, and toss the trash.